UFC 91: MMA’s Prodigal Son Returns

Well, the minutes are ticking away and we are all excited to see Randy “the prodigal son” Couture return to the ring. If you have managed to avoid the advertising bombardment and the propaganda (largely from Lesnar’s side) then you probably aren’t going to be interested in watching as you are living in a cave or scavenging for food or something.

What it amounts to is the question of “What happens when big wrestler meets with smaller big wrestler with more experience?”. This fight has potential to either live up to it’s billing as the most exciting matchup in MMA history (I doubt it) or be a total snoozefest (also doubt that). I think we are going to see a medium here that sees Randy going in and waving the red flag in front of the bull. It is going to be a strategic game for Randy, likely utilizing his post-retirement gameplan of “keep the head moving, keep the jab coming and stay off the mat when and where possible”. The latter part of that will be difficult with Lesnar who is almost certain to attempt to take it to the ground (and likely get the takedown based on size, speed and power). Not the best plan since Lesnar showed that he could not submit Herring on the ground (Herring is notably NOT a wrestler). I think Couture is good enough on the mat that he will avoid getting pounded out and will keep Brock in danger even if Couture is on the bottom. In all likelihood, I see a decision in Randy’s favor.

Not to be left out, another interesting fight on the card is Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson who will be fighting for #1 Contendership. This is a tough one to call. I think if Kenny keeps it standing, it is all his. Of course, Joe is no dummy and might get hit once or twice before he tries for a TD. If I were Florian I would be training nothing but sprawls and getting to my feet from the mat. I know Florian’s BJJ is pretty solid as is Stevenson’s. Stevenson has a pretty huge advantage in strength, so it may be up to Florian to step up his skills (especially his BJJ since BJ would be the next opponent). This could go either way. I think Stevenson is the safe bet, but I’m not willing to count out Florian. This promises to be one of the more exciting fights on the card.

Now, on to my favorite matchup on the card: Nate Quarry and Demian Maia. This is a really, really tough one to call. Demian has amazing BJJ and could arguably be a 185 BJ penn if given the time and proper training (to make him more well rounded like Penn). Nate Quarry has amazing hands and KO power for sure. The outcome will depend on who takes the fight where. If Quarry can keep it standing, then it’s his. If Maia can get it to the ground, it is likely his win. No surprises here. You won’t see a KO by Maia or a sub by Quarry (unless Quarry has first rocked and battered Maia into semi-consciousness).

Other notable appearances on the card include “Made of Railroad Ties” Matt Brown and Gabriel Gonzaga. Neither of these fights have much promise of action. Alvin Robinson and Mark Bocek are squaring off with each other in a fight that will either be very fast paced and exciting or slow and tedious. Looks like another UFC event where the main card is the only real interest. The UFC has a lot of fighters in their stable that just seem to have off and on showings. Oh well, I guess we can’t all be superstars.

 

Other rumors and news: Denis Kang has signed with the UFC, Arlovski may be coming back to the UFC but not before challenging Fedor Emelianenko in an Affliction fight, Hermes Franca was caught driving drunk, and there has been word of BJ Penn vs. GSP II in January.

~ by collarchoke on November 12, 2008.